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Is Biden Quiet Quitting?

Pod Save America

Published: Tue Dec 17 2024

Joe Biden cedes the spotlight to Donald Trump, who's rolling like he's already taken office: meeting with world leaders, attending the annual Army-Navy game, and calmly announcing the next targets in his legal offensive against the media. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy discuss what Biden could and should be doing in the final weeks of his presidency, what ABC's settlement with Trump says about the state of political media, the mysterious drone-like things over New Jersey, and Trump's pledge to end Daylight Saving Time. Then, Rep. Ro Khanna stops by to talk with Jon about how Democrats in the next Congress can strike the balance between resisting Trump and getting things done, and why he's willing to collaborate with Elon Musk on DOGE.

Summary

Pod Save America: "Is Biden Quiet Quitting?" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: December 17, 2024

Hosts: Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor
Production: Crooked Media
Podcast Description: Pod Save America offers a no-nonsense conversation about politics, breaking down weekly news, and providing listeners with insights and actionable advice. Hosted by former Obama aides, the show frequently features journalists, activists, politicians, entertainers, and world leaders.

1. The Trump-ABC Defamation Lawsuit Settlement

Timestamp: [03:44 - 12:26]

In the opening segments, the hosts delve into Donald Trump's recent defamation lawsuit against ABC News. The discussion is sparked by the news that ABC News agreed to pay $15 million to Trump's post-presidency foundation and an additional $1 million in legal fees to settle the defamation claim. This lawsuit arose from a misstatement by George Stephanopoulos, who erroneously reported that Trump had been found liable for rape in the E. Jean Carroll case, whereas the legal finding was for sexual abuse.

Notable Quotes:

  • Donald Trump (via transcript): "I think you have to do it because they're very dishonest."
  • Jon Favreau: "What makes this settlement surprising is ABC’s parent company, Disney, known for its robust legal strategies, choosing to capitulate."

Key Points:

  • The hosts express surprise and disappointment over ABC’s decision to settle, highlighting Disney's reputation for fierce legal defenses.
  • Discussing the "chilling effect," Tommy Vietor emphasizes how such lawsuits can deter media outlets from reporting accurately, fearing costly litigation. "They're raising the cost of doing journalism. They're making it more dangerous."
  • Jon Lovett points out the potential misuse of defamation laws against public figures, questioning the balance between protecting reputations and ensuring free press.

2. Implications for Media and Free Speech

Timestamp: [12:26 - 32:54]

The conversation shifts to the broader implications of Trump's legal actions against media organizations. The hosts argue that high-profile lawsuits can set dangerous precedents, potentially silencing critical journalism and fostering a climate of fear among reporters.

Notable Quotes:

  • Tommy Vietor: "This signals a chilling momentum behind all these cases, making investigation more costly and risky."
  • Jon Favreau: "It's a difficult situation where even accurate statements can be misconstrued, leading to unnecessary legal battles."

Key Points:

  • The hosts discuss other instances where Trump and his allies have threatened or initiated lawsuits against journalists and media outlets, such as The New Yorker and individuals like Ann Seltzer.
  • Emphasis on the contradiction within media organizations like ABC settling the lawsuit, which traditionally would stand firm, raising concerns about corporate influence over journalistic integrity.
  • The segment underscores the erosion of trust between the media and political figures, highlighting the potential long-term damage to democratic discourse.

3. Joe Biden’s "Quiet Quitting" Presidency

Timestamp: [02:21 - 43:26]

The term “quiet quitting” is used to describe President Joe Biden’s perceived withdrawal from the public eye in the final weeks of his presidency. The hosts explore possible reasons behind Biden’s low profile, contrasting it with his predecessors' more visible exit strategies.

Notable Quotes:

  • Tommy Vietor: "Quiet quitting seems like what he's doing, stepping back without the fanfare."
  • Jon Lovett: "Does it say something about his leadership style or perhaps strategic planning for the transition?"

Key Points:

  • Observations that Biden has largely avoided public gatherings and significant announcements, unlike Trump, who remains active in political arenas.
  • The White House memo suggests upcoming actions, such as pardons and student debt forgiveness, but lacks detailed public communication.
  • Discussion on the potential “quiet quitting” reflecting Biden’s strategy to preserve his legacy or a recognition that his influence is waning as his term concludes.

4. The Mysterious Drone Sightings Across the U.S.

Timestamp: [43:05 - 50:35]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to unexplained drone sightings in states like New Jersey. The hosts analyze the government's response and the ensuing public anxiety.

Notable Quotes:

  • Jon Lovett: "People are losing their minds, fearing drones might be something sinister, while most are just hobbyists or misidentified objects."
  • Tommy Vietor: "The misinformation and wild theories on social media only amplify fears, with calls to shoot down every unidentified drone."

Key Points:

  • Reports indicate various types of drones, some manned and others not, causing confusion and fear among the populace.
  • Discussed responses from politicians, including aggressive statements from Republicans like Rep. Chris Smith, advocating for militarized responses.
  • Jon Favreau criticizes the proposed solutions, emphasizing the dangers of civilians being empowered to shoot down drones, potentially leading to fatal accidents.
  • The segment highlights the role of misinformation and the lack of clear communication from federal authorities in exacerbating public concerns.

5. Trump’s Proposal to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent

Timestamp: [50:35 - 54:36]

Donald Trump’s recent proposal to adopt permanent Daylight Saving Time (DST) is dissected by the hosts, weighing its practicality and potential benefits and drawbacks.

Notable Quotes:

  • Jon Favreau: "Making DST permanent could streamline timekeeping, but it also presents regional challenges based on geographical locations."
  • Tommy Vietor: "Especially in states like Michigan, where permanent DST could mean significantly later sunrises, impacting daily routines."

Key Points:

  • Explanation of the Sunshine Protection Act, which aims to eliminate the biannual clock changes, supported by figures like Marco Rubio and Vivek Ramaswamy.
  • Discussion on the regional disparities in daylight hours and how permanent DST might favor southern states over northern ones.
  • Introduction of potential technological solutions, such as satellite-mounted reflectors, to simulate daylight, though humorously critiqued by the hosts.
  • Jon Lovett and Jon Favreau propose a compromise allowing states to choose between permanent DST, permanent Standard Time, or continuing current practices, advocating for flexibility based on regional needs.

6. Kamala Harris’s Political Future and Democratic Strategies

Timestamp: [55:46 - 84:38]

A substantial segment features a conversation with Democratic figures, focusing on Kamala Harris’s potential runs for governor of California or the presidency. The discussion also touches on Democratic strategies to combat Republican initiatives and rebuild trust with voters.

Notable Quotes:

  • Kamala Harris: "A whole of society approach is essential to tackle economic inequality and deindustrialization."
  • Jon Lovett: "Instead of mirroring Republican tactics, Democrats aim to restore faith in collective action and government efficacy."

Key Points:

  • Kamala Harris discusses her principles of substantive policy-making and humility, emphasizing collaboration across diverse sectors to address economic challenges.
  • The hosts and Harris explore the difficulties Democrats face in swing states like Ohio, Texas, and North Carolina, where economic woes and political dissatisfaction prevail.
  • Strategies proposed include focusing on economic revitalization, cutting wasteful defense spending, and engaging deeply with local communities to build trust and support.
  • Harris underscores the importance of maintaining progressive values while pragmatically addressing logistical and legislative hurdles, such as opposing the Congressional Impoundment Act repeal, which would grant the executive branch more unilateral control over appropriated funds.

7. The Role of Entrepreneurship and Government in Economic Growth

Timestamp: [79:18 - 84:33]

The episode examines the interplay between entrepreneurial endeavors and government initiatives in fostering economic growth. The conversation critiques the notion that entrepreneurship alone can drive prosperity, advocating instead for a balanced approach involving government support.

Notable Quotes:

  • Kamala Harris: "Entrepreneurs thrive with the support of strong, effective government policies that create a conducive environment for innovation."
  • Jon Favreau: "Elon Musk’s successes were significantly bolstered by government loans and contracts, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between private enterprise and public support."

Key Points:

  • Harris emphasizes that significant economic advancements often result from collaborations between government programs and private sector innovations, dispelling the myth of entrepreneurship as a solitary endeavor.
  • Discussion on how figures like Elon Musk have benefited from government support, such as loans during the Obama administration, challenging the narrative that portrays entrepreneurs as entirely self-made.
  • The hosts advocate for policies that enhance capital formation, streamline procurement processes, and invest in workforce development to sustain economic growth and competitiveness.

8. Addressing Congressional Impoundment and Executive Overreach

Timestamp: [64:22 - 67:12]

The hosts and Harris address concerns over proposed legislative changes like the repeal of the Congressional Impoundment Act, which would allow the executive branch more discretion over allocated funds.

Notable Quotes:

  • Kamala Harris: "Repealing the Impoundment Act could lead to severe repercussions for essential services, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities."
  • Jon Lovett: "This shift threatens the balance of power and undermines Congress’s role in funding critical programs."

Key Points:

  • Harris articulates the dangers of repealing checks on executive spending, highlighting potential impacts on education, healthcare, and social services.
  • The discussion underscores the necessity of maintaining legislative control over appropriations to prevent unilateral executive actions that could harm public welfare.
  • Emphasis on the importance of public mobilization and advocacy to safeguard democratic institutions and prevent erosion of checks and balances.

9. Final Thoughts on Democratic Vision and Future Outlook

Timestamp: [78:01 - End]

Concluding the episode, Kamala Harris shares her vision for the Democratic Party, focusing on building a cohesive and inclusive strategy that addresses economic disparities while fostering collaboration across various societal sectors.

Notable Quotes:

  • Kamala Harris: "Our party must champion a better civilization, grounded in mutual respect and collective progress, without resorting to divisive tactics."
  • Jon Lovett: "Democrats aim to restore faith in government by demonstrating effective, compassionate leadership that truly serves all Americans."

Key Points:

  • Harris advocates for a Democratic approach that emphasizes constructive dialogue, policy-driven solutions, and bipartisan collaboration to address complex societal issues.
  • The hosts highlight the challenges ahead for Democrats in securing Senate majorities and winning key swing states, stressing the importance of grassroots engagement and tailored economic policies.
  • The episode wraps up with a call to action for listeners to stay informed, participate in the democratic process, and support policies that promote economic justice and institutional integrity.

Conclusion

In "Is Biden Quiet Quitting?", Pod Save America navigates a spectrum of pressing political issues, from Trump's legal battles against media to Biden's strategic withdrawal from the public spotlight. The episode underscores the intricate balance between governmental power, media integrity, and democratic resilience. Through incisive commentary and insightful discussions, the hosts provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current political landscape and the challenges facing American democracy.

Notable Quotes Compilation:

  • Donald Trump: "I think you have to do it because they're very dishonest." ([03:44])
  • Tommy Vietor: "This signals a chilling momentum behind all these cases, making investigation more costly and risky." ([12:26])
  • Kamala Harris: "Our party must champion a better civilization, grounded in mutual respect and collective progress." ([78:01])

For a deeper dive into these discussions and more, tune into Pod Save America on your preferred podcast platform every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.

No transcript available.